Author: George Ella Lyon; Illustrator: Katherine Tillotson; Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
From deserts to the kitchen sink, the water cycle is lyrically yet economically described in Lyon’s poem emphasizing the importance of water conservation. Katherine Tillotson’s digital paintings splash, surge and drip off the page.
Bring on the birds
Author: Susan Stockdale; Illustrated: Susan Stockdale; Publisher: Peachtree
Rhyming couplets and clear, identifiable illustrations remind readers that birds vary in many ways, but all have feathers and are hatched from eggs. Colorful acrylics help provide just the right of information for preschool ornithologists.
Chirchir Is Singing
Author: Kelly Cunnane; Illustrator: Jude Daly; Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books
In this cumulative story set in Kenya, Chirchir sings as she tries to help with family chores. Acrylic folk art highlights the activities of daily life in this rural setting.
Do You Know Which Ones Will Grow?
Author: Susan A. Shea; Illustrator: Tom Slaughter; Publisher: Blue Apple Books
This book playfully challenges children’s concepts of the growth capacity of living vs. non-living things in a fun and engaging way.
Dot
Author:Patricia Intriago; Illustrator: Patricia Intriago; Publisher:Farrar Straus Giroux
To a child’s delight, bright dots and brief rhyming verses cleverly demonstrate antonyms and synonyms in this clever picture book.
Goodnight, goodnight, construction site
Author: Sherri Duskey Rinker, Illustrator: Tom Lichtenheld, Publisher: Chronicle Books
Truck-loving toddlers will be willingly tucked into bed along with the vehicles in this superbly constructed goodnight poem.
Harry and Hopper
Author: Margaret Wild, Illustrator: by Freya Blackwood; Publisher:Feiwel & Friends
A poignant depiction of grief and acceptance at the loss of a beloved pet is relayed in this quietly moving story whose illustrations add emotional depth.
King Jack and the Dragon
Author: Peter Bently; Illus. by Helen Oxenbury;Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers.
Enhanced by whimsical illustrations, this story of the wonders and terrors created by a child’s imagination, shows the power of playtime and the magic of make-believe.
Little Treasures : Endearments from around the World
Author: Jacqueline K. Ogburn; Illustrator: Christopher Raschka; Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
Raschka’s pictures give distinct personalities to the subjects of these endearments and the book is a reminder of how much children are loved in every language and culture. Translations and pronunciation guides are included.
Little white rabbit
Author: Kevin Henkes, Illustrator: Kevin Henkes; Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Little white rabbit explores the springtime world wondering what it would be like to be different - green, tall, solid, or able to fly - but when he comes home he knows who loves him.
Mouse & Lion
Author:Rand Burkert; Illustrator: Nancy Ekholm Burkert; Publisher: di Capua/Scholastic.
Mouse is the center of this retelling of a familiar Aesop’s fable. Elegant illustrations place the story solidly in the natural world of Africa.
Naamah and the ark at night
Author: Susan Campbell Bartoletti; Illustrator: Holly Meade; Publisher: Candlewick Press.
As the waters rage, this lullaby reveals Noah’s wife as a nurturer of diverse creatures aboard the ark. Watercolor and collage illustrations amplify the text, a form of lyrical Arabic poetry, called ghazal.
A New Year's reunion: A Chinese story
Author: Li Qiong Yu; Illustrator: Zhu Chen Liang; Publisher: Zhu Chen Liang
Vibrant illustrations highlight a young girl’s joy when her father makes his annual visit for Chinese New Year in this tender story.
Over and Under the Snow
Author: Kate Messner; Illustrator: Christopher Silas Neal; Publisher: Chronicle Books.
While skiing cross-country with her father, a girl envisions the “secret kingdom” under the snow, where small forest animals shelter in winter. Neal’s bright, snowy landscapes contrast with his depictions of shadowed, subterranean nests.
Prudence wants a pet
Author:Cathleen Daly;Illustrator: Stephen Michael King; Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
In this quietly humorous picture book illustrated in soft colors, Prudence tries out a branch, a twig, a shoe, her little brother, a tire, and sea buddies until her parents finally give her a kitten as a pet.
Should I share my ice cream?
Author: Mo Willems; Illustrator: Mo Willems; Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children.
A common human problem is posed and solved with Willems’ minimal illustration and graceful humor.
Stars
Author:Mary Lyn Ray; Illustrator: Marla Frazee; Publisher:Beach Lane Books
A duet of spare, poetic observations and ethereal illustrations explore the realities and possibilities of many kinds of stars, embracing the immediacy of a child’s experiences. A great read aloud.
Tell Me the Day Backwards
Author: Albert Lamb; Illustrator: David McPhail; Publisher: Candlewick Press
Mama bear and child reflect on the day, recounting its events in reverse order. Gentle and reassuring, this book wonderfully illustrates a sometimes difficult concept: the flow of time.
These hands
Author: Margaret H. Mason; Illustrator: Floyd Cooper; Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Both an affirmation of a nurturing relationship between grandfather and grandson and an explanation of one reason labor unions fought for workers’ rights, the brief text and warm illustrations tell an uplifting American story.
Tìa Isa wants a car
Author: Meg Medina; Illustrator: Claudio Muñoz; Publisher: Candlewick Press
Using a cheerful positive tone, Medina depicts a warm relationship between Tia Isa and her niece and shows the strength of community as a life-long dream is realized.
Where's walrus?
Author: Stephen Savage; Illustrator: Stephen Savage; Publisher: Scholastic.
Walrus escapes from the zoo and cleverly disguises himself around the city; the zoopkeeper and the children reading the book search for him on each bold, bright page of this wordless book.
Who has what? : all about girls' bodies and boys' bodies
Author: Robie H. Harris; Illustrator: Nadine Bernard Westcott; Publisher: Candlewick Press
In a cheerful, easy tone, Harris explains who’s got what body parts, their similarities of differences. Girls, boys and adults of many ethnicities – even animals – are included in the loose-lined illustrations depicting the “bare” facts.
A Ball for Daisy
Author: Chris Raschka; Illustrator: Chris Raschka; Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books
A wordless tale of an irrepressible little dog whose most prized possession is accidently destroyed. A buoyant tale of loss, recovery, and friendship. (2012 Caldecott Medal Book)
Blackout
Author: John Rocco; Illustrator: John Rocco; Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
A summer power outage draws an urban family up to their building’s roof and then down to the street for an impromptu block party. (A 2012 Caldecott Honor Book)
The Cazuela that the Farm Maiden Stirred
Author: Samantha R. Vamos; Illustrator: Rafael López; Publisher: Charlesbridge
Nothing is better than a delicious bowl of arroz con leche unless, of course, a host of farm animals have a hand in the preparation! (A 2012 Belpré Illustrator Honor Book)
Grandpa Green
Author: Lane Smith; Illustrator: Lane Smith; Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Elaborate topiary sculptures give visual form to memories in a wildly fanciful garden tended by a child and his beloved great-grandfather. (A 2012 Caldecott Honor Book)
I broke my trunk
Author: Mo Willems; Illustrator: Mo Willems; Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
Piggie is very concerned about his best friend, Gerald the Elephant, who has broken his trunk, and Gerald tells him a long, rambling story about how it happened. (A 2012 Geisel Honor Book)
I want my hat back
Author: Jon Klassen; Illustrator: Jon Klassen; Publisher: Candlewick Press
After losing his hat, Bear politely and patiently questions his fellow forest dwellers as to the whereabouts of his “red pointy hat.” (A 2012 Geisel Honor Book)
Me...Jane
Author: Patrick McDonnell; Illustrator: Patrick McDonnell; Publisher: Little, Brown
Watching birds and squirrels in her yard, a young girl discovers the joy and wonder of nature. A glimpse of the childhood of renowned primatologist Jane Goodall. (A 2012 Caldecott Honor Book)
See Me Run
Author: Paul Meisel; Illustrator: Paul Meisel; Publisher: Holiday
Dogs and more dogs are everywhere: running, sliding, jumping, splashing, and having fun. (A 2012 Geisel Honor Book)
Tales for Very Picky Eaters
Author: Josh Schneider; Illustrator: Josh Schneider; Publisher: Clarion Books
Five chapters recount James’ refusal to eat yet another disgusting, smelly, repulsive, lumpy, or slimy food. (2012 Geisel Medal Book)
Pick 3 of the 2012 Selections for Younger Readers
All the Water in the World
Author: George Ella Lyon; Illustrator: Katherine Tillotson; Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young ReadersFrom deserts to the kitchen sink, the water cycle is lyrically yet economically described in Lyon’s poem emphasizing the importance of water conservation. Katherine Tillotson’s digital paintings splash, surge and drip off the page.
Bring on the birds
Author: Susan Stockdale; Illustrated: Susan Stockdale; Publisher: PeachtreeRhyming couplets and clear, identifiable illustrations remind readers that birds vary in many ways, but all have feathers and are hatched from eggs. Colorful acrylics help provide just the right of information for preschool ornithologists.
Chirchir Is Singing
Author: Kelly Cunnane; Illustrator: Jude Daly; Publisher: Schwartz & Wade BooksIn this cumulative story set in Kenya, Chirchir sings as she tries to help with family chores. Acrylic folk art highlights the activities of daily life in this rural setting.
Do You Know Which Ones Will Grow?
Author: Susan A. Shea; Illustrator: Tom Slaughter; Publisher: Blue Apple BooksThis book playfully challenges children’s concepts of the growth capacity of living vs. non-living things in a fun and engaging way.
Dot
Author:Patricia Intriago; Illustrator: Patricia Intriago; Publisher:Farrar Straus GirouxTo a child’s delight, bright dots and brief rhyming verses cleverly demonstrate antonyms and synonyms in this clever picture book.
Goodnight, goodnight, construction site
Author: Sherri Duskey Rinker, Illustrator: Tom Lichtenheld, Publisher: Chronicle BooksTruck-loving toddlers will be willingly tucked into bed along with the vehicles in this superbly constructed goodnight poem.
Harry and Hopper
Author: Margaret Wild, Illustrator: by Freya Blackwood; Publisher:Feiwel & FriendsA poignant depiction of grief and acceptance at the loss of a beloved pet is relayed in this quietly moving story whose illustrations add emotional depth.
King Jack and the Dragon
Author: Peter Bently; Illus. by Helen Oxenbury;Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers.Enhanced by whimsical illustrations, this story of the wonders and terrors created by a child’s imagination, shows the power of playtime and the magic of make-believe.
Little Treasures : Endearments from around the World
Author: Jacqueline K. Ogburn; Illustrator: Christopher Raschka; Publisher: Houghton MifflinRaschka’s pictures give distinct personalities to the subjects of these endearments and the book is a reminder of how much children are loved in every language and culture. Translations and pronunciation guides are included.
Little white rabbit
Author: Kevin Henkes, Illustrator: Kevin Henkes; Publisher: Greenwillow BooksLittle white rabbit explores the springtime world wondering what it would be like to be different - green, tall, solid, or able to fly - but when he comes home he knows who loves him.
Mouse & Lion
Author:Rand Burkert; Illustrator: Nancy Ekholm Burkert; Publisher: di Capua/Scholastic.Mouse is the center of this retelling of a familiar Aesop’s fable. Elegant illustrations place the story solidly in the natural world of Africa.
Naamah and the ark at night
Author: Susan Campbell Bartoletti; Illustrator: Holly Meade; Publisher: Candlewick Press.As the waters rage, this lullaby reveals Noah’s wife as a nurturer of diverse creatures aboard the ark. Watercolor and collage illustrations amplify the text, a form of lyrical Arabic poetry, called ghazal.
A New Year's reunion: A Chinese story
Author: Li Qiong Yu; Illustrator: Zhu Chen Liang; Publisher: Zhu Chen LiangVibrant illustrations highlight a young girl’s joy when her father makes his annual visit for Chinese New Year in this tender story.
Over and Under the Snow
Author: Kate Messner; Illustrator: Christopher Silas Neal; Publisher: Chronicle Books.While skiing cross-country with her father, a girl envisions the “secret kingdom” under the snow, where small forest animals shelter in winter. Neal’s bright, snowy landscapes contrast with his depictions of shadowed, subterranean nests.
Prudence wants a pet
Author:Cathleen Daly;Illustrator: Stephen Michael King; Publisher: Roaring Brook PressIn this quietly humorous picture book illustrated in soft colors, Prudence tries out a branch, a twig, a shoe, her little brother, a tire, and sea buddies until her parents finally give her a kitten as a pet.
Should I share my ice cream?
Author: Mo Willems; Illustrator: Mo Willems; Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children.A common human problem is posed and solved with Willems’ minimal illustration and graceful humor.
Stars
Author:Mary Lyn Ray; Illustrator: Marla Frazee; Publisher:Beach Lane BooksA duet of spare, poetic observations and ethereal illustrations explore the realities and possibilities of many kinds of stars, embracing the immediacy of a child’s experiences. A great read aloud.
Tell Me the Day Backwards
Author: Albert Lamb; Illustrator: David McPhail; Publisher: Candlewick PressMama bear and child reflect on the day, recounting its events in reverse order. Gentle and reassuring, this book wonderfully illustrates a sometimes difficult concept: the flow of time.
These hands
Author: Margaret H. Mason; Illustrator: Floyd Cooper; Publisher: Houghton Mifflin HarcourtBoth an affirmation of a nurturing relationship between grandfather and grandson and an explanation of one reason labor unions fought for workers’ rights, the brief text and warm illustrations tell an uplifting American story.
Tìa Isa wants a car
Author: Meg Medina; Illustrator: Claudio Muñoz; Publisher: Candlewick PressUsing a cheerful positive tone, Medina depicts a warm relationship between Tia Isa and her niece and shows the strength of community as a life-long dream is realized.
Where's walrus?
Author: Stephen Savage; Illustrator: Stephen Savage; Publisher: Scholastic.Walrus escapes from the zoo and cleverly disguises himself around the city; the zoopkeeper and the children reading the book search for him on each bold, bright page of this wordless book.
Who has what? : all about girls' bodies and boys' bodies
Author: Robie H. Harris; Illustrator: Nadine Bernard Westcott; Publisher: Candlewick PressIn a cheerful, easy tone, Harris explains who’s got what body parts, their similarities of differences. Girls, boys and adults of many ethnicities – even animals – are included in the loose-lined illustrations depicting the “bare” facts.
A Ball for Daisy
Author: Chris Raschka; Illustrator: Chris Raschka; Publisher: Schwartz & Wade BooksA wordless tale of an irrepressible little dog whose most prized possession is accidently destroyed. A buoyant tale of loss, recovery, and friendship. (2012 Caldecott Medal Book)
Blackout
Author: John Rocco; Illustrator: John Rocco; Publisher: Hyperion Books for ChildrenA summer power outage draws an urban family up to their building’s roof and then down to the street for an impromptu block party. (A 2012 Caldecott Honor Book)
The Cazuela that the Farm Maiden Stirred
Author: Samantha R. Vamos; Illustrator: Rafael López; Publisher: CharlesbridgeNothing is better than a delicious bowl of arroz con leche unless, of course, a host of farm animals have a hand in the preparation! (A 2012 Belpré Illustrator Honor Book)
Grandpa Green
Author: Lane Smith; Illustrator: Lane Smith; Publisher: Roaring Brook PressElaborate topiary sculptures give visual form to memories in a wildly fanciful garden tended by a child and his beloved great-grandfather. (A 2012 Caldecott Honor Book)
I broke my trunk
Author: Mo Willems; Illustrator: Mo Willems; Publisher: Hyperion Books for ChildrenPiggie is very concerned about his best friend, Gerald the Elephant, who has broken his trunk, and Gerald tells him a long, rambling story about how it happened. (A 2012 Geisel Honor Book)
I want my hat back
Author: Jon Klassen; Illustrator: Jon Klassen; Publisher: Candlewick PressAfter losing his hat, Bear politely and patiently questions his fellow forest dwellers as to the whereabouts of his “red pointy hat.” (A 2012 Geisel Honor Book)
Me...Jane
Author: Patrick McDonnell; Illustrator: Patrick McDonnell; Publisher: Little, BrownWatching birds and squirrels in her yard, a young girl discovers the joy and wonder of nature. A glimpse of the childhood of renowned primatologist Jane Goodall. (A 2012 Caldecott Honor Book)
See Me Run
Author: Paul Meisel; Illustrator: Paul Meisel; Publisher: HolidayDogs and more dogs are everywhere: running, sliding, jumping, splashing, and having fun. (A 2012 Geisel Honor Book)
Tales for Very Picky Eaters
Author: Josh Schneider; Illustrator: Josh Schneider; Publisher: Clarion BooksFive chapters recount James’ refusal to eat yet another disgusting, smelly, repulsive, lumpy, or slimy food. (2012 Geisel Medal Book)